Sharjah's Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) has opened the first phase of the major Al Taawun Interchange project, a move expected to significantly ease the daily commute between Sharjah and Dubai. The opening was inaugurated by Sharjah Ruler Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi.

The project spans 9.18 kilometres and covers roughly 207,000 square metres of paved area across five main components: the 560-metre Al Taawun tunnel and roundabout, with capacity for about 4,200 vehicles per hour toward Dubai; the Al Khulafa Al Rashideen interchange, featuring two underpasses and a 315-metre bridge; new bridges linking Damascus Street in Dubai to Wasit Street in Sharjah via the first and second industrial streets; a bridge and underpass on the third industrial street with capacity for around 5,200 vehicles per hour; and additional lanes added to the Ring Road.

As part of this phase, a one-way route from Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road toward the Expo Centre Sharjah has also been opened to traffic. A second phase, with no confirmed date yet, will bring the full opening of the upper-level junction, the tunnel and the remaining infrastructure.

SRTA Chairman Yousef Khamis Al Othmani said the value of these projects lies in their anticipated impact on people, families and their daily journeys. The scheme ranks among Sharjah's largest recent infrastructure efforts to reduce congestion between the two neighbouring emirates.